Des Moines Basilica Cancels Gingrich Over Prez Conflict

The fact that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is considering running for the Republican nomination for president lost him a speaking gig at the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines. The basilica canceled a May 16 appearance where he and his wife, Callista, were scheduled to give a presentation on Pope John Paul II, the Des Moines Register reported Tuesday.

Gingrich, who converted to Catholicism in recent years, co-produced a documentary called “Nine Days that Changed the World.” He traveled to Poland to make the film about John Paul II, who was beatified Sunday in one of the first moves in the Catholic Church toward making the Pope a saint.

Basilica officials who canceled the presentation said it could be a conflict of interest because Gingrich is considering a presidential run, a representative said.

Callista Gingrich graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Iowa is scheduled to have the first 2012 Republican presidential caucus to decide on a GOP nominee.